South African Citrus Orange Sandesh: A Fresh Rakhi Twist by Chef Neha Deepak Shah

South African Citrus Orange Sandesh: A Fresh Rakhi Twist by Chef Neha Deepak Shah

Chef Neha Deepak Shah’s South African Citrus Orange Sandesh gives the classic Bengali sweet a festive Rakhi twist with mandarin zest, a juicy citrus-filled centre, milk powder and zero-calorie sweetener.

 

Rakhi celebrations can get a fresh citrus twist this year with South African Citrus Orange Sandesh, a refreshing take on the classic Bengali sweet conceptualised by Chef Neha Deepak Shah. The festive treat combines soft, melt-in-the-mouth chhena with milk powder, a zero-calorie sweetener and fragrant South African Citrus zest, with a juicy mandarin segment tucked inside for a citrus surprise in every bite.

The Orange Sandesh is light and flavourful and is made without sugar or cream, offering a fresh addition to the festive platter for Rakhi celebrations.

To prepare the sweet, 500 ml of milk is heated until hot. Two teaspoons of vinegar are added gradually and stirred gently until the milk curdles and the chhena separates. The chhena is then strained using a muslin cloth, washed well, squeezed to remove excess water and transferred to a mixer.

A quarter cup of milk powder and a quarter cup of a low sweetener of choice are added before the mixture is blended until smooth. It is then transferred to a pan and cooked on low heat, with continuous stirring, until it becomes slightly dry and starts leaving the sides of the pan.

Read More SNP Appoints Neeraj Athalye as Managing Director for India, Expanding AI-Ready SAP Transformation Strategy

A pinch of saffron or orange food colour can be added optionally before finely grated South African mandarin zest is stirred into the mixture for a fresh citrusy aroma.

Read More 4th Safe City & Intelligent Mobility India Summit 2026 Concludes in New Delhi

After the mixture cools slightly, a small portion is taken and flattened gently. A juicy South African mandarin segment is placed in the centre, after which the mixture is carefully shaped into a ball, sealing the fruit inside. The process is repeated with the remaining mixture and mandarin segments.

Read More Pure Flour from Europe to Showcase European Flour at Anuga Select India 2026

The citrus-filled sandesh can then be served as a special mithai for Rakhi, bringing a burst of freshness to every bite. Cloves, pistachios and mint leaves can be used for garnish.

The recipe uses one South African mandarin for stuffing and zest, along with milk, vinegar, milk powder, a low sweetener of choice and optional saffron or orange food colour.

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) represents citrus growers across Southern Africa. For over 120 years, growers have produced premium citrus fruits with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, innovation, nutrition, and preventive health.

Grown under ideal climatic conditions and carefully harvested, these fruits deliver scientifically supported health benefits with every serving. Behind this success are passionate individuals who take pride in agriculture and understand the dedication required to produce world-class fruit - a commitment that truly sets Southern African citrus apart.

Tags:

About The Author

Post Comment

Comment List

Latest News

Nagaland Tuensang DTO Building Collapses After Landslide Amid Prolonged Rainfall Nagaland Tuensang DTO Building Collapses After Landslide Amid Prolonged Rainfall
Tuensang’s District Transport Office building collapsed after a landslide triggered by prolonged rainfall. The structure had already been declared unsafe,...
#Draft: Add Your Title
India Highlights Scientific Snow Leopard Conservation Advances at Russia Roundtable

Live Cricket Score

Advertisement

Science & Tech

2026 Ducati Monster India Launch Teased for August 10 as Cryptic Poster Sparks Speculation 2026 Ducati Monster India Launch Teased for August 10 as Cryptic Poster Sparks Speculation
Ducati India has teased a new motorcycle launch for August 10 with a cryptic poster that strongly hints at the...
BYD Atto 2 EV Set for India Debut as Brand Targets Affordable Electric SUV Segment

Health

Coffee-Based Home Remedies Gain Ground as Dermatologists Highlight Natural Skincare Benefits Coffee-Based Home Remedies Gain Ground as Dermatologists Highlight Natural Skincare Benefits
A growing number of dermatologists are endorsing coffee-based home remedies as natural, affordable alternatives to commercial skincare. From face scrubs...
Moringa’s Rise as a Global Superfood Gains Momentum Amid New Research

Lifestyle

 Food Pharmer Sparks Nationwide Debate Over Cheeslings Ingredients, Raises Questions on Food Safety Standards Food Pharmer Sparks Nationwide Debate Over Cheeslings Ingredients, Raises Questions on Food Safety Standards
Food influencer Revant Himatsingka, known as Food Pharmer, has sparked nationwide debate after revealing Cheeslings’ low cheese content and high...
From Gym Floor to City Streets: The Unexpected Revival of the Lopifit Treadmill-Bike
crossorigin="anonymous">